BRAZIL 107 



ill large niimibers. Several breeders, thinking that the Zebu 

 would be better than the English breeds, acting on advice of 

 breeders in the States of Minas and Sao Paulo, where the Zebu 

 has a great reputation, imported them on quite a large scale. No 

 doubt there was a certain amount of reason for importing Zebus 

 years ago, for the simple reason that they are very hardy, and 

 immune against tick fever, which holds sway over all parts of 

 Brazil. The tirst cross with the native cows gave a rakish, big 

 bullock, and although the meat is very coarse, yet when fat, it 

 made good Xarque, and that was the "end in view." 



"The State next in order to Rio Grande is Minas Geraes, which 

 lies north and west of the State of Rio. Here we find the 



Noah's Ark as regards cattle, every breed under the sun being 

 represented, that is if we except the English breeds. Minas 

 is the home of the Zebu, and some very nice specimens are to be 

 seen during one's travels, which is not to be wondered at, 

 considering the money spent. 



"Some few years ago, the Government of this State made a 

 contract with an English firm in Rio to deliver a thousand bulls, 

 meant for distribution amongst the breeders at cost price — £100 

 sterling each. 



"Of the total, 900 were Zebus imported from India, and the 

 balance was made up of Swiss, Dutch, and a few English cattle. 

 It is not an uncommon thing for some Zebu fanatic in Minas to 

 pay as much as £1500 sterling for a bull he fancies. 



' ' Unlike Rio Grande, which State has excellent native grasses, 

 Minas does not possess native, or, rather, natural camp of any 

 great value. The country has had to be improved in order to 

 carry cattle profitably, and this has been done in a way which 

 one is forced to admire against one's will. Most of the land 

 under Jaragua or Gordura, which are the best grasses, were at 

 one time useless half scrub and half open forest country, and 

 were improved in the following manner: Narrow tracks about 

 ten feet wide were cleared at different distances, according to 

 the density of the scrub, and the brush piled in rows, which, 

 after having been allowed to become thoroughly diy, were set 

 fire to during a very hot day, generally in the month of 

 November, and when there was a fairly good breeze blowing. 

 Naturally, the dry leaves and graSvS were completely burnt off, 

 together with the many smaller shrubs, after which the seeds of 

 the grasses mentioned were scattered about, generally by men 

 on horseback, with the result tliat after the first rain, the grass 

 came away quickl}^ and smothered any new growth of shrubs, the 



